271



The Giza Zoological Gardens.



for most species; but if the more delicate insectivorous birds

were kept they would require further protection during the

winter nights.


To the ornithologist, however, the wild birds of the gardens

will far transcend both in interest and numbers those kept in

aviaries—what an ideal and unique boast for any Zoological

Gardens—but such is the case, nor is the reason far to seek ; in a

practically treeless (except for date palms) and waterless country

where every blade of vegetation has to be cultivated by con¬

tinuous irrigation, a garden abounding in trees, bushes, and

water, forms a veritable oasis to which birds will flock, and

finding a sanctuary there, will remain.


The two most numerous species are the Egyptian Kite and

Hooded Crow, which are resident throughout the year, and are

so numerous as to prevent the rearing of any young ducks or

other birds unless carefully enclosed ; yet the incomparable flight

of the Kites and the boldness and impudence of the Crows more

than counterbalance, to my mind, any mischief they may do.


During the winter. Thrushes, Robins and Chiffcliaffs are

the commonest of the small birds, and as spring comes on and

the migrant stream slowly flows northwards, Eesser Whitethroats

appear, to be shortly followed by Redstarts and Nightingales, so

that by the beginning of April the whole gardens are resounding

with the songs of numerous Warblers ; and as the migration

reaches its height, Shrikes, Bee-Eaters, Orioles and Flycatchers

stop for a brief visit and then pass on. A list of all the species

that have been known to occur has just been published by the

Director and his assistant, so that it would be waste of time to

recapitulate them.*


Passing on therefore from the Passeres, one of the sights is

the large pond, for here in winter the ducks are so thick as to

almost obscure the water. Teal are by far the commonest, next

to them come Shovellers, and finally Pintail. Mallard are very

rarely seen, and occasionally a Garganey, White-eyed or Tufted

Duck may come, but they rarely stay more than a few days.

These ducks are absolutely tame and afford splendid opportu-



* Wild Birds of the Giza Gardens, by S. S. Flower and M. J. Nicoll, 1908 ; see also Avic.


Mag-., New Set'., Vol. VII., p. 172 (1909).



